Double Glazed Window Repair
Double glazing is an energy efficient investment that prevents heat loss in the winter months and helps keep your home cooler in the summer. Double glazing windows repaired when needed is an excellent way to ensure that they function properly.
Over time, your double glazed windows can suffer from problems like condensation and misting. This can cause your double glazed windows to be difficult to open or shut.
Broken Panes
A unruly ball or a flying stone from your lawnmowers or a storm that is strong enough can break the double pane windows of your home and leave your home vulnerable to the elements. Although a window that is cracked can be difficult to fix, you don't have to have it replaced entirely. The insulated glass that is between two panes of glass is still in good shape, so you can repair your double-paned window yourself.
To start, you'll need to take the broken glass out of the frame. This will be a messy job and you'll need to be cautious to prevent any glass fragments from falling on the floor or slipping out of the frame. Use a pair of gloves to protect your hands and a rag to protect the area surrounding the broken glass to avoid further cuts or breakage. After removing the broken glass, clean the frame of the window thoroughly to remove any sealant or debris. It is essential to sand rough areas of your frame to create an even surface for your new glass.
After cleaning the frame and removing the dust, you can apply another layer of glass to the seam where you removed the broken pane. This is the best method to seal and protect your window, and will reduce your energy bills by preventing drafts and water from entering the home. The next step is to choose your glazing material. Some options include clear tape which is more durable than regular tape and will keep your window from further cracking, and glazing film that resembles clear plastic wrap. This choice has the benefit that it can be painted to match the frame of your window and will also block out rain and ice.
No matter what material you choose, it's important to press the glazier's points into that place where the putty joins your frame. They will help hold the new glass in place and assist it to adhere to the frame. Glazier's points can be found in hardware stores, and they come in pre-made ropes that you simply roll onto the frame rabbets.
Condensation
Double glazing can be susceptible to condensation issues and if you experience this problem it is best to contact the company that provided the window. Many companies offer warranties and guarantees to provide coverage for the problems. Condensation or fogging between the panes of your windows is a sign that the seals aren't working properly. Only a professional can resolve this problem by replacing both panes.
This process is a little tricky and requires the use of special tools to take off the old one and replace the new one, but it is possible to do this by an expert who will supply the required equipment. Making use of these tools can be risky, so it is always recommended to leave this kind of job to an expert.
If you choose to do it yourself, ensure you wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from any broken glass pieces that may fly off during the process. It is also important to carefully remove all putty and metal glazing points from the grooves that the new window will be. Wire-brushing the frame or vacuuming it with a damp cloth is recommended. Once the frame is clean and dry you'll need to get a replacement glass that is 1/8 inch shorter in each direction than your window, and then test it into the grooves.
Based on the frames you have depending on your frames, you'll need to apply a thin layer of silicone caulk to the grooves in order to ensure that your new pane is securely in place. After the caulk is dry and is dry, you must smooth it and make any necessary adjustments. The wood molding can be reinstalled.
Double-glazed windows can become difficult to open or close when the weather is extremely changing. Extreme temperatures can cause the frames to expand or shrink and cause them to slide or become stuck. If this is the issue, you can try wiping the frames down with water and then lubricating the joints. However, it might be best to ask the company that installed your windows to help.
Misunderstood
Misted Double Glazing is a problem with windows that is caused by moisture getting trapped between the glass panes of your double glazed windows. Double glazing consists of two panes of glass which are separated by an insulating space, typically filled with argon gas to provide increased thermal efficiency. This creates an airtight sealing that keeps warm indoor air inside, and cold air outside.
The seal may become damaged over time and moisture may build up between the glass panes and cause them to become misty. This occurs because the sun's heat causes the gap between window panes, which causes the water to evaporate.
This is a normal occurrence, but when it occurs between the window panes, it could cause problems as it can no longer control the temperature in the room and will allow the outside temperature to influence the indoor temperature. If you notice that your double-glazed windows are turning blurred, call the experts at Northfield Glass to investigate.
We can replace the blown sealed unit without needing to replace the entire window and is less disruptive than a full replacement. Our misty window repair involves taking off the glass unit, cleaning it, then replacing it with a fresh one to create a watertight seal again.
Certain companies in the business claim to inject chemicals through holes drilled into windows that have been misty to eliminate the fog and condensation. We do not suggest this method. This is not just ugly, but it can also harm the toughened glass and can leave you with windows that do not fully perform the function it was intended to.
It is important to fix the problem as soon as you can, as if untreated, it could lead to mould growth which can not only damage the window, but also poses health risks for your family. Moisture in the window can also lead to other problems with your property, such as damp or rot. In certain cases, the window may need to be replaced completely.
Blown or Failed
Modern double-glazed windows come with two glass panes that have an inert gas or air between them. This helps to improve their upvc repairs near me thermal efficiency, allowing warm air in and cold air out. Over time, this gas may depressurize and cause a variety of issues.
Condensation between panes is one of the most frequent. It's not an indication of a failure in the window however it could be a sign you should replace them. Condensation can be a sign your double glazing has failed, in which case it will need to be replaced completely.
Double-glazed windows can also create draughts. This could be caused by the seal being damaged or a damaged handle or lock. A draught can be evident and can result in more expensive heating bills Therefore, it is essential to get it fixed sooner rather than later. Check the seals around the window frame by feeling for cold air.
Another sign that your window seals are failing is when you start to notice water beading on the inside of your windows. This is an indication that you have to replace the seals on your double-glazed windows.
Your window frames have been designed to move slightly and this is essential to keep the glass sheets in position. In time, this special packaging material may become compressed. This can cause the seal to become broken. This will allow air to flow between the panes, reducing the efficiency of your window's energy consumption.
Double glazing that has broken seals is a sign of failure and needs to be repaired immediately. A damaged seal can stop your double glazing from performing its primary function that is to keep cold air out and warm air in. Additionally, a blown seal can let moisture in, which could result in mold and other unpleasant conditions. It is recommended to contact a specialist in double glazing repair immediately if you discover a blowing seal in your double glazed windows, as they can replace the entire unit.